'Suits': 10 things wrong with USA Network's toxic legal drama we all chose to ignore
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Suits', which made its debut on USA Network in 2011, has been one of the most loved legal dramas. Its addition to Netflix and Peacock has further contributed to its popularity worldwide.
However, one can't deny that the show has faltered at several points. Its lack of authenticity and relatability is why many people, especially the ones from legal backgrounds aren't very fond of it.
Let's discuss some of the inconsistencies that make 'Suits' an unlikeable show for certain sets of viewers:
1. Glamorization of a lawyer's life
Filmmakers and their obsession with over glamorization of a lawyer's life is beyond our understanding. 'Suits' carries on the myth that lawyers have an alluring lifestyle. They wear expensive suits and draw heavy paychecks.
While a part of it is true as well, this isn't the only reality. Lawyers spend hours and days seated in their offices, buried in research and paperwork. The fascinating life of Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht) and Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams) is far from the real life of a lawyer.
2. Mike Ross' recruitment
Let alone the entire series, we can't even wrap our heads around how Mike was recruited in the first place. At a firm where only Harvard alumni are offered a job, Harvey goes above and beyond the law to hire Mike.
Though it is established that he wanted someone as smart as himself and Mike checked all the boxes, why would Harvey risk his job and reputation that he has built over the years over a stranger?
Moreover, doesn't a law firm as big as theirs have an HR department that could do a background check on Mike? The fact that the entire series is based on a bizarre situation makes it hard for people to resonate.
3. The fast-paced courtroom scenes
Cases move too fast in 'Suits'. We agree that it has been made this way to keep up the show's momentum and to provide a nail-biting viewing experience.
But in the real world, legal matters don't conclude so quickly. The legal system takes its own time, even in high-profile cases.
4. Mike Ross' arrest doesn't bring enough changes
Although Mike's cover must have been blown by the end of the first season, he somehow manages to stay afloat until his arrest in Season 5. He serves his time and after a reduced sentence, he joins Harvey again.
If such a case would have been happened in reality, the person in question would have been prohibited from working at any legal establishment. Moreover, all the previous cases that he ever worked on would have been re-opened.
Surprisingly, no such things happen in 'Suits', thus dragging the viewers far from reality yet again.
5. The wide expertise of Harvey Specter and Mike Ross
Harvey Specter and Mike Ross are the ultimate heroes in the law world. They are experts in everything and are ready to take on any exciting case that comes their way.
While in reality, small lawyers do cater to multiple areas, big lawyers like Harvey have an area of expertise, like Mickey Haller in 'The Lincoln Lawyer' acts as a criminal defense attorney.
If Harvey and Mike could choose an area of specialization, it would have made 'Suits' more entertaining.
6. Nobody's old at Pearson's law firm
People dedicate decades of their careers to reaching higher positions in their fields. Yet, in 'Suits', even the partners of the firm, including Jessica Pearson are just in their 40s.
If we look around in the real world, we'll see lawyers in their late 40s and 50s taking the top positions at law firms. 'Suits', however, has totally forgotten to cast a slightly older lot.
7. The bizarre LSAT scam
Before joining the law firm, Mike Ross is seen making ends meet by appearing for the LSAT exam on other people's behalf in exchange for money.
In the initial moments of the series, it is well established that he did it quite often, by wearing a cap and cleverly hiding his face. However, in reality, it's impossible to pull off such a scam as the examination authorities have made strict rules, banning students from wearing head covers, etc.
8. The never-ending internal politics
There's no denying fact that internal politics is a part of every work establishment. People are always on their toes to backstab or steal recognition for other's hard work.
While the politics at a lower level of the pyramid can be dealt with, it's the politics at the upper level that cause immense trouble. With such conflicts at the upper management level, how can a business thrive for long?
9. Books over computers at the law firm
While the whole world shifts to computers, the lawyers in 'Suits' still bury themselves in heavy books to do their research.
Shouldn't these lawyers and their paralegals be doing their research on computers?
10. Donna Paulson's illegally destroying the evidence
Donna Paulson is known to never make mistakes. Yet, somehow, she makes a dumb move by destroying evidence that supports a fraud accusation against Harvey.
Having known Harvey for years and his exceptional work as a lawyer, couldn't she put her trust on him and approach him first before taking such a drastic step? Does destroying evidence come naturally to a legal assistant who has been doing their job with utmost dedication for years?
Despite all these flaws, 'Suits' remains one of the beloved shows across the globe. It is available to stream on Netflix.
'Suits' trailer
'Suits' is currently streaming on Peacock and Netflix